Pubdate: Fri, 18 Oct 2013
Source: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Little Rock, AR)
Copyright: 2013 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc.
Contact: http://www2.arkansasonline.com/contact/voicesform/
Website: http://www2.arkansasonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/25
Note: Accepts letters to the editor from Arkansas residents only
Author: Susan King
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n493/a05.html

LEGAL REMEDY FOR PAIN

Re medical marijuana: Yes, pain sufferers should be able to get 
relief from a pill provided by a pharmacist. The problem is that most 
of these pills make it very difficult for people to lead the normal 
lives they so desperately want to continue to do. Pain pills make it 
almost impossible to stay focused and alert. More importantly, they 
do nothing to help the person with nausea and weight loss, which are 
extremely problematic in fighting off a life-threatening illness.

Marijuana offers an alternative pain relief that works well for some 
people. It allows them to continue working. It doesn't rob them of 
the strength they need to deal with the pain and/or disease they 
have. Their humanness is not blurred by the body- and mind-numbing 
effects of painkillers.

If you have ever known someone in chronic pain, then you know very 
well that there were times you would have done anything to provide 
that person with some kind of relief. For some sufferers, marijuana 
is crucial in extending their quality of life.

Several reasons were given in your recent editorial for not signing 
the petitions that call for another medical marijuana vote. In my 
opinion, none of us have the right to say "no, thank you." Rather, we 
all have the responsibility to ensure that marijuana becomes a legal 
remedy for pain and other disease symptoms. Please vote "yes."

SUSAN KING

Springdale
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